How Ohio State students are navigating a divisive election season
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Officials at the Ohio State University are helping students navigate the divisive election season as November draws near.
NBC4 spoke with the university's director of counseling, Dr. Micky Sharma, who says being in college during the election can lead to some added stress and anxiety. After talking to students, there were a lot of mixed reactions. Some are excited to cast some of their first votes while others are dreading it and even considering not voting at all.
“I don’t know which way I’m going to vote in this election or if I will vote at all,” said Ahmed Lasheen, sophomore at Ohio State.
“It makes me feel good that my voice is heard and that my vote counts. I actually have a contribution to society,” said Jordan McAdoo, junior at Ohio State.
Watch: How OSU students are navigating this election season
With more than 60,000 students, Dr. Sharma says Ohio State is a diverse campus and it can be overwhelming to be surrounded by so many new ideas especially when it’s many students’ first time voting.
“Part of being in college is learning to relate and interact and work with folks who don’t agree with you. That’s a part of what is going to happen when you leave the university,” he said.
Many of the students NBC4 spoke with said being on campus does increase their stress surrounding the election.
“I think that’s because election outcomes can directly impact how our school operates and programs and scholarships that we have access to,” said McAdoo.
“I definitely feel a lot of anxiety in terms of just not knowing what’s next but honestly I like to embrace those tough conversations and also I challenge the other people around me,” said Isaac Wilson, senior at Ohio State.
However, there are some who don’t think being on campus makes a difference.
“I would say it doesn’t have an effect on my election stress. I haven’t had any election stress since it began,” said Nathan Nworie, junior at Ohio State.
Sharma said you can get help but there are also ways to take care of yourself. He says it’s important to know when enough is enough.
“You have to be mindful of your own capacity . How much can I manage? So much is available through social media, news sites and on your phone. You have to be mindful of when you need to take a break,” said Sharma.
He also said the university offers many resources for students dealing with election anxiety. You learn more about those here.